Solar Energy works in Wisconsin and Illinois, no matter what anyone tells you. Panels on a roof or array capture energy from the sun and provide heat or electricity via a solar system to your home or business.

It is up to you to decide to invest for the future of energy independence and your personal savings. The Federal 30% Tax Credit also applies to solar electric and solar thermal systems. There is a long- term payback for solar electric systems of twenty-something-years in most cases. Solar hot water offers a definite financial payback within 8-12 years.

As you know, payback incentives are not available for cars, wide-screen televisions, hot tubs, or motorcycles. Renewable energy systems often have a better Return on Investment or ROI and definitely help the environment and global concerns.

A comprehensive solar site assessment can determine how effective the solar output will be and if an installation is possible at your property. Around December 21st, the sun is at its lowest level of the year. If your roof or ground area is sunny and not shaded for 4 or more hours per day, then you are a candidate for solar energy. In the urban environment, you design a solar system at the necessary height to gain solar access.

If do-it-yourself analysis and tromping around your house in the winter snow is not your choice, then an analysis from Janesville Home and Solar using a “Solar Pathfinder” can generate annual solar exposure anytime of the year.

Photo Voltaic or PV solar electricity has the greatest “mass appeal” in the industry. Solar electricity comes from the sun lit panels as high voltage DC or direct current. An electronic inverter then coverts the direct current into the usual household AC or alternating current that is used at any light or outlet.

Solar Domestic Hot Water is the best deal of any solar system. Conventional estimates suggest that for a family of four a 3-panel array can supply about 75% of hot water needs. In my experience in Wisconsin, such systems really provide almost 100% of hot water needs in the summer and about 50% of the needs in winter.